Giving tips to newer photographers

I try to help newer photographers who are trying to grasp photographer as much as I can. I give them small bits of advice here and there, and in the most respectful way possible--in a way that compliments their work, while suggesting they try something else as well. I do it with the intent to encourage growth. However, I'm met with a passive aggressive, or at times, blatantly arrogant response. For example, I suggested to a local upcoming photographer who, quite frankly, needs a bit of work, that she try playing around with the colors panel in Lightroom. She responded with "I tried it, it's not my thing. I have my own style." I responded with "That's understandable; I wasn't suggesting you change your style, I was just suggesting you maybe try playing with it--you might find something new." She responded with "Then don't offer." That left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, and I've avoided talking with her since.

Is this normal behavior with newer photographers? :S I seem to encounter it quite often. I've observed that fresh photographers, and photographers with some experience behind them tend to take advice and suggestions pretty well. However, the photographers who are past the point of new, but have little experience don't tend to take it as well.

Some people just don't take kindly to critique and suggestions. Shrug it off and move on.

I always welcome any advice I can get. I see some of the shots that are shared here. I would have to be a fool not want to learn more. I think that's one of the things I like the most about photography. There is always room for me to improve and grow. I love the little tidbits I get here and there. So please don't stop sharing the love...

^^^

I think this happens a lot, and it's not just limited to photographers. Try giving advise to a "not new, but not still learning" golfer about swing mechanics or lining up a putt on the green... Expect similar results.

All people are different! I am always keen to talk with photographers (I guess most of us here are!), but I do find there is a loner type that doesn't seem to like to have meaningful photography conversations.

The more I learn the more I realize I don't know. I try mostly on my own, but I welcome all criticism and help - even a reminder of something basic is no bad thing.

Teaching is also good learning.

So don't stop, just let go if you aren't getting anywhere

quadwing wrote in post #17310393
I've observed that fresh photographers, and photographers with some experience behind them tend to take advice and suggestions pretty well. However, the photographers who are past the point of new, but have little experience don't tend to take it as well.

You've answered your own question.

Not everyone wants to be told what to do with a camera.

There are also questions of control and not wanting to feel as if you're being controlled. Would you truly appreciate if someone came up to you with an approach that they knew more about photography and needed to tell you what to do?

DC Fan wrote in post #17310713

quadwing wrote in post #17310393
I've observed that fresh photographers, and photographers with some experience behind them tend to take advice and suggestions pretty well. However, the photographers who are past the point of new, but have little experience don't tend to take it as well.

You've answered your own question.

Not everyone wants to be told what to do with a camera.

There are also questions of control and not wanting to feel as if you're being controlled. Would you truly appreciate if someone came up to you with an approach that they knew more about photography and needed to tell you what to do?

True, but there's a very fine line between telling someone "here do this instead" vs "have you tried this?" Two different approaches. I don't ever command someone to do something. I ask them if they tried something instead.

Personally, it wouldn't bother me if someone was trying to be helpful. I follow a pretty strict "do unto others"--I see no harm in helping. :S I don't know.

I guess I might ask "are these photographers seeking your input?"

If they do ask for your thoughts, but then respond negatively when you give them, they are clearly wrong. But if they are not seeking feedback, they might be a little uncomfortable to receive un-sought critiques.

Me? I'm always looking for ways to improve!

regards,
/alan

quadwing wrote in post #17311081
Personally, it wouldn't bother me if someone was trying to be helpful. I follow a pretty strict "do unto others"--I see no harm in helping. :S I don't know.

Perhaps it wouldn't bother you, but does bother a lot of people. Not everyone sees it as "helping," regardless of your intent. Don't offer unsolicited critique or advice, because invariably someone will be offended or annoyed.

Even when a person says "C&C welcomed, you're still entering a minefield - sometimes the only "C&C" they're willing to accept is platitudes and praise.

I guess it depends on the person. Some will take it and apply it, while others will see it as your trying to talk down to them. It's doesn't seem like you went at her strongly either.

There's been times I've seen some photogs go at others in a mean way, and say oh I'm just helping.

alan_potter wrote in post #17311184
I guess I might ask "are these photographers seeking your input?"

As I was reading through this thread I was wondering why nobody had mentioned that yet.

Somebody had brought up golf as an example, when I played I remember all kinds of people coming up to offer unsolicited 'advice'. After a while it got to be very annoying, especially from the people who clearly weren't any better than me.

I'd say that before offering advice or critique the thing to do is to find out if someone is open to suggestions, it's all too easy to come across as a busybody know-it-all otherwise.

There are many dynamics to this question. Do you know the person well? At all? Do they respect you and your work? Do they generally welcome constructive criticism or disdain it? How are you presenting yourself? It is easy to accidentally appear arrogant and assuming. You avoided her because of her response to your suggestion, isn't that a little intense?

In the majority of cases, I can see why a person would get upset at anybody who would question their photography prowess (or any skills they might imagine that they have) by making suggestions. It's human nature.

If they are seeking your advice, or they think highly of you and your photos and are the type to welcome comments, then I think you are in a position to make suggestions. If not, then you are opening yourself up to that type of negativity. The person's current skill level may play a part as well. But in the end, this seems like a silly thing to lose friends over

alan_potter wrote in post #17311184
I guess I might ask "are these photographers seeking your input?"

If they do ask for your thoughts, but then respond negatively when you give them, they are clearly wrong. But if they are not seeking feedback, they might be a little uncomfortable to receive un-sought critiques.

Me? I'm always looking for ways to improve!

regards,
/alan

This is the question I found myself asking as I read through this thread. There are a few photographers in my area who's work I respect and I actively seek out their opinions on my work, and how it could be improved. I also regularly offer critique to two friends who are just starting to get into photography, one actually just shot his first solo wedding and did a bang up job, but I only offer my opinions after they ask.

Offering an opinion on someone locals work is a little different than doing it through a forum like this one. By posting their work to a field of strangers most posters here are opening themselves up to critique and most people realize this.

I think it is quite difficult to see something that you/we would consider "wrong" in any walk of life...and KNOW that we could make their life a little better/easier with a few simply (to us) tweaks.

BUT, the big but of course, is that you absolutely have to read the situation. if the person is failing, and knows it, and they aren't seeking help...stay away. they are either stubborn or close-minded (at least at the moment). wait for them to come to you, or at least present the opening for you to interject your comment.

I find myself biting my tongue ALL the time because I don't wanna look like a know it all d**k. even though I don't know it all and am just trying to help out with what I DO know!